Obituaries

Aug 25, 2016

Rebecca Marie Trites, 25, passed away on August 25 wrapped in prayer, presence, and song. She was a teacher, a musician, an artist in the kitchen, and a lover of children. Rebecca’s infectious smile and warm heart truly touched the lives of her many students, friends, and family. She maintained her sharp wit and fierce spirit throughout her battle with...

Aug 23, 2016

Clarence, a resident at Brookdale Senior Living since 2014, died peacefully, in his sleep, Tuesday morning, August 23, 2016, in residence. He was born June 22, 1923 in Ruth, Michigan, the son of Otto and Margaret Ninke.  During WW II he served in the U. S. Naval Reserve, while working for the Federal Aviation Association as an electronic engineer.  He also served...

Aug 21, 2016

Donald G. Wilson, 81, longtime resident of Leawood, KS, passed away August 21, 2016.  He was born July 10, 1935 in Little River, KS, the son of Donald James and Oral Adelia (Sherman) Wilson.    He spent many harvests on custom cutting crews earning money for college.  He attended Fort Hays State University from 1953 to 1955 before transferring to Kansas State University where...

Aug 16, 2016

Lester “Les” Gerig, born on December 4, 1929 in Royal Oak, Michigan, passed away on August 16, 2016. Les lived his life with an energy, curiosity and positivity that brought smiles to the faces of his family and loved ones. Les served honorably with the United States Marine Corps in the Korean War. After serving his country he attended the...

Aug 15, 2016

Dawn Florence Swenson passed away peacefully 14 Aug, 2016 at her home in Overland Park, Kansas.  Dawn is the daughter of Frank and Jan Swenson of Angola, Indiana.  She was born 26 December 1965 in Iowa City, Iowa. During her early years in Missouri and Scotland, it was obvious that she had an artistic flair.  While attending Angola High School in Angola, Indiana,...

Aug 14, 2016

William “Bill” Clayton Daniels, 79, passed away at home on August 14, 2016, after a long battle with lung cancer. Bill was born on April 24, 1937 in Sanderson, West Virginia.  He was one of 7 children, including 6 boys and 1 girl. Bill was a 20 year veteran of the U.S. Air Force moving to Kansas City, MO, upon retirement.  He...

Aug 14, 2016

Florence Devine passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 14, 2016 at the age of 89.  She was born in Kansas City, Kansas, the first daughter of her parents, Charles and Anna Bortka on November 13, 1926. Florence met her husband, Lawrence (Rusty) Devine in high school and they were married after Rusty’s service in the U.S. Marine Corps during WW II.  Florence...

Aug 14, 2016

Rev. Louis R. Turk, 95, of Kansas City, KS passed away on August 14, 2016 and began everlasting life in heaven with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.   Visitation will be from 10-12 PM Saturday with a funeral service at 12:00 PM at Trinity Baptist Church, 8820 W. 49th Street, Merriam, KS.  Burial will follow at Shawnee Mission Memory Gardens, 23215...

Aug 13, 2016

Steven Adair Smithers, 71, passed away August 13, 2016. Steven was born October 3, 1944 in Kansas City, MO, the son of Adair Aust and Shirley (Tucker) Gwin. He was raised by his grandparents, Warren T. Smithers "Pop" and Edna A. Smithers "Mom”. Steve was a “man’s man”, a man of character, active, energetic, and a daredevil willing to take...

Aug 12, 2016

Morine Iris (Haas) Kempin, 82, of Overland Park, KS passed into the loving arms of Jesus on August 12, 2016. Morine was born on August 4, 1934 in Enterprise, KS to Ira and Mildred Haas.  She grew up in Dickinson County, KS and graduated from Hope High School in 1952.  The following year, Morine graduated from Brown-Mackie Business College in Salina, KS.  She...

Aug 10, 2016

Barbara Y. Whitfield, 91, Overland Park, KS, passed away August 10, 2016.  Graveside service will be 11:30 a.m., Friday, August 12 at Johnson County Memorial Gardens, 11200 Metcalf Avenue, Overland Park, KS.  Barbara was born November 7, 1924 in Excelsior Springs, MO to John Day and Viola Lee (Anderson) Bunn.  She was a licensed practical nurse at Shawnee Mission Medical Center.  In her memory,...

Aug 9, 2016

Aug 7, 2016

John “Hunky John” Matusek, 77, passed away August 7, 2016.  John was born November 28, 1938 in Dorog, Hungary.  John was a Hungarian Freedom Fighter, part of the movement against communism and escaped Hungary, to avoid persecution, in 1956 to Germany where he resided 6 months before coming to the USA.  John was not your typical refugee, teaching himself to read, write and...

Aug 7, 2016

Patrick McGinty, age 50, died on Sunday, August 7, 2016.  Patrick was a beloved member of the L’Arche Heartland community for the past 27 years, as well as a pillar among the developmental disability community of Johnson County, Kansas.  To have met Patrick once was to be forever changed by his endearing compliments and his beautiful spirit. Patrick loved attending Catholic mass...

Aug 5, 2016

Mary Louise Speers was born March 21, 1921 on at farm that is now part of the Johnson County Community College grounds. She was married to James L. Speers for 52 years and spent most of their lives in Olathe, KS. She was preceded in death by her mother Anne Goodloe, father Ray Goodloe both of Olathe and her sister...

Aug 5, 2016

Gerald Andrew Jacobson, DVM, 84, was called to his eternal home on Friday, August 5, 2016.  He died peacefully at his earthly home surrounded by his family. A celebration of Gerald’s life will be held at Hillcrest Covenant Church, 880l Nall Ave, Prairie Village, Kansas on Tuesday, August 9, 2016, at 11:00. Family will receive friends for visitation at the church...

Aug 4, 2016

Loraine Lavern Nidiffer, 88, passed away on August 4, 2016 after an extended illness.  She leaves behind loving husband and partner, Dr. Thomas J. Nidiffer and their daughters, Cyndi and Debbie (Mollie Drew) and a grand-daughter, Ashley Sweren. This love affair of 63 years began in Memphis, Tenn.  She received her bachelor’s degree from Memphis State, where she was an active member...

Aug 4, 2016

James William Heley passed away Thursday, August 4, 2016.  A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. this Saturday, August 6, 2016, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 7851 W. 119th Street, Overland Park, KS.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Outpacing Melanoma Foundation (11939 Noland St., Overland Park, KS 66213), Metropolitan Lutheran Ministry (MLM, 3031 Holmes St.,...

Jul 30, 2016

Robert Christopher (Rob) Hedden, age 43, passed away on Saturday, July 30, 2016. Rob was born on July 23, 1973 in Concord, California.  Moving to Kansas in 1983, Rob was active in soccer and little league but his main love was ice hockey, which he played from the age of 10 until just a few years ago. Rob was the loving...

Jul 30, 2016

Kirk Neusteter Kiloh, 61, Shawnee Mission KS passed away July 30 peacefully at Shawnee Mission Medical Center after suffering a massive stroke.  He was born December 6, 1954 and quickly adopted by the late George Kirk Kiloh and Marjorie Belle Truel Kiloh Campbell.  He was their best Christmas present ever!    He brought tremendous joy to the Kiloh household as well as to his...